Connecting with a community of like-minded student entrepreneurs helps participants share ideas, stay motivated, and navigate the early hurdles of launching a business. (Maia Mabiasen, CMRU.ca)
Balancing academics and creative passions challenges many students, but Mount Royal University’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is making it easier to turn personal projects into reality. Through its “How to Start a Side Hustle” program, MRU offers students from any faculty or year of study a dedicated pathway to build independent businesses.
Designed for students with zero prior business background, the initiative breaks down the complexities of entrepreneurship into manageable, practical steps. Rather than requiring a corporate mindset from day one, the program helps participants explore, test, and launch independent ideas while balancing a heavy course load.
Accessible innovation for every major
The side hustle initiative is a cornerstone of MRU’s broader commitment to student innovation, proving that entrepreneurship is not limited to business degrees. Whether a student is studying communications, science, or arts, the program provides foundational tools to bridge the gap between creative hobbies and a profitable startup.
The seven-week program walks participants through essential milestones:
- Foundation & Time Management: Establishing a sustainable workflow, balancing energy, and setting clear personal boundaries.
- Customer Discovery: Identifying target audiences and conducting effective, low-cost market research.
- Rapid Prototyping: Building a Minimum Viable Offer (MVO) to start generating income efficiently.
- Pricing & Strategy: Developing structured pricing models and utilizing digital channels to scale growth.
- So much more…!
Beyond the classroom
Participating in campus entrepreneurial initiatives also comes with real financial perks. Students who meet the program requirements and maintain full attendance can qualify for stipends, helping ease the financial stress of launching a new venture.
For students looking for different avenues of growth, the initiative is part of a broader network of LaunchPad Student Programs, which includes everything from the Ideas Lab and Innovation Sprint to high-stakes pitch competitions.
Students interested in transforming their creative outlets into sustainable businesses can explore program schedules and application details online through the MRU LaunchPad portal.
Connect with LaunchPad!
Comments